At 12:22 PM 1/31/2003 +1000, Rob Studdert wrote:
HiMH and NiCd cells will deliver higher current than Li or Alkali cells howeverI have several sets of NIMH batteries that I use in the digital camera and also in flashes. I don't know what the difference is, but in my digital camera the NIMH batteries last at least 5x longer than alkalines. But in flashes, a fresh set of NIMH are not noticeably better than fresh alkalines. I'm not sure why the NIMH last longer - I assume it has something to do with how the devices draw current from the batteries. But that made me wonder if the Mz-S might get more life out of a NIMH set.
since the supply voltage will be lower the current is not likely to be a
problem, but performance may suffer due to the voltage drop.
Since the Eveready AA Lithium/Iron Disulfide (Li/FeS2) cells can supply up to
1.6A if current were a problem it would already be so. The biggest difference
aside from the much heavier weight of the rechargable cells is their self
discharge parameters. NiMH cells are quite poor, most types will self discharge
within two weeks, NiCd performance lies between the two but they need better
maintenance.
If your camera can lie idle for a week between shoots then the rates of batteryPutting in fresh batteries before heading out to shoot is not a problem. What has been a problem for me is variability between aalkalines. Not so much between brands, but rather individual sets. My last 4 new alkalines lasted for 2 rolls of film and 1 day of the camera accidently left on. The set before them went through at least 40 rolls, endured at least a day here and there with the camera on, and were in the camera for almost 3 months. Both were major brands and in date - so I assume how they are stored, transported, whatever makes them unpredictable at times.
self discharge can become a maintenance issue. Li cells have a shelf life of 10
years plus at 20 degrees C and Good alkali cells (Eveready E2) have a shelf
life of about 7 years and a capacity of about 3135mAh (don't take too much
notice of mAh ratings though). So you really have to consider your usage
patterns before considering which battery types to use.
BTW Li cells weigh 14.5g each whereas Alkali cells weigh in at around 24g eachI'm not too concerned with the weight issue. I usually put a couple spare sets of NIMH in the little bag that holds the digital camera. I use lithiiums from time to time, but since I usually loose batteries by accidently leaving the camera on, I've switch to cheaper alkalines. I try to carry at least 8 extra alkalines and take 8 sets of NIMH in the film bag (32 individual batteries) - but fortunately most of that stuff gets left in the car.
and a 1600mAh NiMH cell weighs ~26.75g. I have Li cells in my MZ-S, I use Ni-MH
in my flashes and when I am out for the day with my digicam I pack three sets
of 4 AA NiMH cells totalling ~320g :-(
Thanks for the info -
MCC
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Mark Cassino
Kalamazoo, MI
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Photos:
http://www.markcassino.com
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